At last count, 10 clocks surmount the new Durango Arts Center production of A Christmas Carol. They hang here and there above a stage full of props, boxes and a hat tree for quick, on-stage costume changes.

Carson has assembled an interesting cast with a few experienced actors but mostly new faces. Freddy McDaniel is a delightfully crabby Scrooge. Newcomer Larry Leonard plays the beleaguered Bob Cratchit and begins the play bent over at Scrooges desk. The rest of the cast members take on different roles. All join together for caroling, the Fezziwig party and other scenes.

Throughout, theres a sense of time ticking and tocking away. Doorbells ring, midnight chimes, and on each of Scrooges three imaginary escapades, the cast circles and whispers Tick-tock, Tick-tock.

Its a great device for upping the suspense, one of many enhancements Carson has made to heighten the drama of this familiar tale.

At Tuesday nights dress rehearsal, the cast ran through the 80-minute production as if it were opening night. Only the fog machine balked, and vocal production seemed uneven.

Carson and theater colleague John Mark Zink have created a set with an illusion of a cobblestone street. But mostly they rely on imaginative staging and props to suggest Scrooges shop, apartment, childhood school and cemetery. Zinks lighting design is particularly effective, carefully using simple drop spots, color filters and blackouts. Diane Panelli expertly operates the light and sound boards and Alyse Neuberts costumes enhance the period atmosphere.

Three able Christmas ghosts guide Scrooge through his nightmare delusions: Past  clearly articulated by Pearce Fazekas, Present  the fleet-worded Robert Harrington-Megason, and Future  the chilling Bradley M. Abeyta in black robe and death mask. Abeyta also excellently portrays nephew Fred.

Besides the reluctant fog machine, a few minor glitches and singing that needed a lot more energy and focus, the production Tuesday was performance ready. This is definitely family fare, and its wonderful to see so many new faces on the DAC stage.

Judith Reynolds is a Durango writer, artist and critic. Reach her at jreynolds@durangoherald.com.

If you go

Durango Arts Center, 802 East Second Ave., presents A Christmas Carol, adapted by Jacqueline Goldfinger from the novella by Charles Dickens. Show times are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and Dec. 14 and 15; also 2 p.m. Sunday and Dec. 16. Pre-show...

entertainment featuring the Durango Brass Quintet begins 30 minutes before show time. Tickets cost $14 for general admission, $12 for DAC members and $10 for students, available by phone at 259-2606 or online at www.durangoarts.org.